Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the founder of the Indian National Congress (INC), one of the oldest political parties in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885. The initiative was taken by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired Scottish civil servant. He played a crucial role in bringing together Indian leaders to form the organization.
The other options were prominent leaders of the INC at later stages but not the founder:
(B) Mahatma Gandhi: He became a leading figure in the INC after his return to India in 1915.
(C) Jawaharlal Nehru: He was a key leader and the first Prime Minister of India.
(D) Vallabhbhai Patel: He was another influential leader in the independence movement.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A.O. Hume is credited with the foundation of the Indian National Congress. Thus, option (A) is correct.